In Saturday's 48-42 win over UCLA, Arizona State (6-1, 3-1 Pac-10) used a redshirt freshman walk-on, a receiver/punt returner, a former linebacker and a tight end at running back. They were part of a combined effort that netted the Sun Devils 121 yards on the ground.

The No. 20 Sun Devils come into the game with No. 7 Cal (5-1, 3-1) with uncertainty at the position. "They've had some issues with the backs," Tedford said.

Loren Wade, who led the team last year with an average of 70.3 yards a game, is under suspension for a violation of team rules. Hakim Hill, No. 2 with 45.2 yards a game, was in uniform last week, but was being disciplined for a team matter and did not play.

Randy Hill, who averaged 20.7 yards a game last year, is out for the year with a knee injury. Cornell Canidate, who averaged 8.7 yards last year, has been out with a groin injury.

Asked to clarify the situation Tuesday, Koetter simply said, "I can't," adding he won't make his intentions clear until game time.

Tedford said the main challenge in preparing for Arizona State was in defending the passing game, which ranks second in the Pac-10. The Sun Devils' running game is ranked No. 9.

"They're going to try to keep you honest," he said of the Sun Devils' use of the run. "I think the strength without a doubt is with (quarterback) Andrew Walter's arm and their receivers."